MEIN Ors eaAU DUB ON .BUde LE DIN 23 
Due to its small size it would appear that there would be no identifica- 
tion problem with the Broad-winged. Most of us use ithe broadly banded 
tail and the dark underbody as field marks. However, Red-shouldered 
Hawks have a similar tail and are also dark bodied. The Broad-winged is 
not an uncommon nesting bird in Missouri, and it is very familiar to many 
observers. Perhaps this creates a sense of expectancy, and when a dark 
bodied hawk with a banded tail is seen the automatic response is 
“Broad-winged.” 
Both the Swainson’s and the Broad-winged present problems. Those 
of us who neglect to do our home work rely only on popular field guides 
to identify birds are ignoring the probability factor. It is paramount that 
before reporting a rare or accidental bird the accepted range of the bird 
be known, and that if the probability of its occurrence during the season 
you are observing is practically zero, and if the possibility of confusion 
with another species is high, some serious soul searching must occur before 
a report is made. Probably most judges will only accept a sighting under 
these circumstances if verified by a photograph or a specimen. 
Field identification is at best subject to errors. None of us are free 
from mistakes, but we all must strive to improve accuracy. Caution is the 
keynote; there are many pitfalls that can be avoided. There is no substitute 
for advance knowledge. Knowing the range of all species for all seasons is 
a very large part of the store of knowledge which will help you in field 
identification. 
We all know that free flying birds do turn up for the first time in a 
new location rather regularly, and that no record, however improbable can 
be absolutely dismissed. However, when both the range and chance for 
confusion with another species work against you, the confidence factor must 
be 100% before a report should be made. 
These comments have not been written as a personal criticism of 
anyone, but as a voice of experience by one who during the past forty-five 
years has probably committed as many errors in identification as the 
next fellow. 
A BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL... 
to the Illinois Audubon Society helps insure the continuance 
of the Society’s programs which you now support through your 
membership. 
A SUGGESTED BEQUEST FORM: 
“| hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the Illinois Audubon 
Society, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Ill. 60605, 
and/or 1017 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, Ill. 60515, 
the sum of (dollars) (other gift as described here) to be used 
for the general purposes of said Society.” 
